Folk Tales Transformed

Program SummaryA visiting theatre artist works with a language arts teacher and a visual art teacher to help eighth-graders transform folk tales into original scenes that the students perform.

The Integrated Instruction

Nelle Stokes, Visiting Theatre ArtistI worked with Martha Morenstein and her language arts class on a play that’s a compilation of folk tales from different cultures. The kids picked out their own folk tales, adapted them, wrote them, and they’re acting in them. The idea was that kids would experience what it was like to make a piece of theatre.

Martha Morenstein, 8th-Grade Language Arts TeacherBecause Nelle and I work so well together, we understand where each other is coming from. And if we do disagree, it’s fine, because I can say, “Nelle, no, I don’t think that’s right.” Or she’ll say, “Martha, this won’t work, but let’s try something else.” We’re in constant communication, which is good.

Judi Roseman, Visual Art TeacherAt first I felt a little intimidated working with other teachers, because I’m an experienced teacher, and I’m supposed to know it all! And I didn’t feel as if I knew it all – but that’s great, because I’m learning along with the students, which is a really great thing.